Now, as the economy and financial markets continue to founder, Lewis is running into troubles of his own.

The Charlotte bank's stock is down 24 percent this year after a 66 percent drop last year. The board has already halved the bank's lucrative dividend, and analysts are expecting a further reduction. The bank is set to disclose fourth-quarter earnings next week and could announce a rare loss.

Lewis also has his hands full with the Countrywide Financial Corp. and Merrill Lynch & Co. acquisitions he forged last year. As part of these deals, the bank is cutting up to 42,500 jobs to reduce costs, and the layoffs are starting to hit home in Charlotte. The bank told state and local officials this week that it's laying off 139 workers in Ballantyne.

Help us deliver journalism that makes a difference in our community.

Our journalism takes a lot of time, effort, and hard work to produce. If you read and enjoy our journalism, please consider subscribing today.